Chapter 23 Martha
810words
"Yes, you there," she beamed. "Come here, would you?"
I hesitated. "Me?"
She nodded. "Yes. Come here, dear."
I smiled at the lady standing behind the jewelry vendor before turning and headed toward Martha.
She patted the space beside her, signaling me to sit down.
Hesitant, I sat. I waited for her to speak first.
"What a lovely day, isn't it?" she leaned to her side and smiled, giving me once over.
"If you enjoy the rain, then yes, it's okay."
"You don't like the rain, dear?" she looked taken aback. "Ah, your one of those girls who like to catch a tan beside a swimming pool?"
"No, it's not like that," I shook my head. "I like swimming, but not baking in the sun."
"Ah, a fickle one you are then," she laughed. "But a beauty by that."
Again, I had no idea what to say. Did she sort of insult and compliment me at the same time? I had no idea, but I kept smiling until my jaw started to hurt.
"I presume you have heard of my darling husband disappearing to the sea?" she took my hand in hers and held it.
There was comfort in the gesture, but I wasn't sure why. I didn't even know her.
I nodded. "Yes."
"It's alright, dear. You don't have to stress over the thoughts of this old ghoul. I know the townsfolk talks." She squeezed my hand. "I've seen you with dear, sweet Kayn. Such a lovely boy."
I snorted way too loud. When Martha gave me a questioning look, I used my free hand to rub my nose. "Sorry. I struggle with allergies."
"The cord has already formed between the two of you, love."
"I'm sorry. Come again?"
"You have the bond."
"Oh, no," I laughed, small beads of sweat forming on my nose. "No. It's nothing like that. We are...uh, neighbors. That's all."
"My darling Hector and I have it. But then he had no choice but to leave." She looked me dead in the face. "He will come back. I know he will."
I stiffened. How many Hector's were there in this part of the world? What were the odds?
"I'm sorry, they told me he was a fisherman and got lost at sea?" I regretted my admission the moment it passed my lips.
Great job, Carly. Inconsiderate much? "I'm sorry, I—"
She waved her free hand, clicking her tongue. "Don't believe that nonsense. No one wants to hear the truth even if it kicks them in the shins. But dear, he has always belonged to the sea." She took her free hand and pressed it to her chest, "And to my heart."
"Do...Do you have any children?" I asked. "Do they ever visit you?"
"That's the funny thing, dear. I don't remember."
I blinked. "What do you mean? You forgot?"
"No. My memory seemed to have left me, like this. Poof," she waved a hand in front of her face.
"How do you know Kayn?" I prodded.
"Ah, the sweet boy," her smile broadened. "He, his darling sister and mother visits me often and brings me gifts. Sometimes, he sits with me to enjoy some ice-cream. Do you like ice-cream, dear?"
"I see," I nodded. "Yeah, I love ice-cream."
"Someday, my love will return, and we will enjoy one together. I can't wait!" The joyous expression on her face told me she believed to the core that it was something that would happen—that he would return. "You and that boy should have ice-cream together. It's an extraordinary experience."
I flushed. The way she said it sounded almost scandalous—as if she wasn't referring to actual ice cream.
I needed to get my head out of the gutter.
I glanced up as a group of teenagers passed us, noting a dark head shooting back from behind the stationery store across the street.
"You have to be kidding me." I got up from the bench. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."
"I understand dear." Martha nodded, smiling. "You come to visit me again. All right?"
"Sure," I smiled, turning toward the building where I saw him.
"Dear?" Martha called out. "Be careful. Not all of his kind is good. The others are keeping a close eye."
I hesitated, peering back at where she sat, but she was gone. I scanned the streets, finding no sign of her.
Oookay.
I turned and cornered the building with a frown, only to find an older blonde lady sweeping the pavement.
"Looking for something?" she coughed, wiping her forehead with her free hand.
"Was there a boy here? Around my age, black hair and—"
"The handsome looking fella?" she pointed down the street. "Yes, he headed that way."
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks."
